Time precipitates, a century of classics! Tianjin Astor Hotel · Cai E Suite

This hotel has been on my mind for many years. I had only visited it while staying at the Ritz before, and since then, I have always wanted to stay here. This time, I finally made it. The hotel's history needs no introduction; like the Peace Hotel in Shanghai, it is a witness to modern Chinese history. These two hotels, one in the north and one in the south, are the shining pearls of the hotel industry and are among the 100 must-visit hotels in a lifetime. . Like the Peace Hotel and Sofitel Legend in Xi'an, the Astor also has its own museum. However, this museum is much larger than the other two, more like a real museum. Traversing through a century and a half of history in the museum will give you a deeper understanding of the hotel. There is a guided tour every day at 2 PM. . Currently, the hotel still retains 22 'Celebrity Suites' that can be booked. The Cai E Suite I stayed in this time is one of them. Although it was randomly assigned, it was very much to my liking. I have always thought that this legendary general was the second most handsome man of the Republic of China (the first being the Father of the Nation). . The Celebrity Suites are roughly divided into two types. One type has a street-facing terrace with views of Victoria Garden and the Ritz, but the interior area is small, only 48 square meters. The other type has an interior balcony with views of the lobby bar, a larger interior area, and a proper living room. The Cai E Suite I stayed in belongs to the latter. . The suite is designed with one bedroom, one living room, and one bathroom with a balcony. Upon entering, there is a bathroom first, with a room introduction on the wall. The Cai E Suite is also called 'Zhiyin Pavilion,' the place where Cai E discussed national salvation plans with his teacher Liang Qichao. The living room features a portrait of Cai E in his marshal uniform, an oil painting depicting this scene, and books about the general's life. The general was loyal and heroic throughout his life but died young, which is truly lamentable. . The hotel was renovated in 2010, restoring its appearance to how it looked shortly after its construction in the early 19th century. While maintaining the modern style, the interior also underwent hardware upgrades. From 2010 to 2017, it was under the SPG brand and is now part of Marriott's Luxury Collection, making it the most fitting hotel for the Luxury Collection brand in China. In 2017, it became self-operated, marking the beginning of a new era of complete separation from foreign capital. . Apart from the shower not being separated from the bathtub, everything else in the suite is comfortable enough. The minibar is equipped with a capsule coffee machine, good quality domestic loose tea, and rare Yaman tea bags. . Staying at the Astor is a must to experience the old building, and the Celebrity Suites in the old building are indeed the best choice. . The hotel's front desk, concierge, and room service are all excellent. Whether in the new or old lobby or the corridors, every step is a picturesque scene. Late at night, you can even capture the 'Phantom of the Louvre' vibe. . It was indeed a worthwhile trip, an almost perfect experience.